From February 1819[1] to
February 1824, Darling commanded the British troops on Mauritius, before serving
as acting-governor of the island for the last three years of his
stay, exhibiting administrative ability. It was largely on account
of this service that Darling was appointed the seventh Governor of New South Wales
in 1824.[1]
Nevertheless, Darling was very unpopular in Mauritius, particularly
for allowing a British frigate to breach quarantine and start an
epidemic of cholera. He then suspended the island’s Conseil de
Commune when it protested his actions.

Controversies

During his tenure Darling was accused of tyrannical misrule by,
amongst others, newspapers in England and Australia (including the
Australian run by William Wentworth and Robert
Wardell).[1]
Allegations included that he ordered the torture of prisoners
Joseph Sudds and Patrick Thompson as an example to others, leading
to the death of Sudds.

He is said to have "ruthlessly and implacably countered all
attempts to establish a theatre in Sydney". He even introduced a
law effectively banning the performance of drama. The law stated
that no form of public entertainment could take place without
approval from the Colonial Secretary, and Darling ensured that all
such applications were rejected. He did permit concerts of music to
take place.[2]

Late life

Ralph Darling was knighted for his various services in 1835 and
was promoted to general in 1841. He died in Brighton on 2 April 1858, survived by his
widow, three sons and several daughters.[1]

Family

On 13 October 1817, Darling married Elizabeth Dumaresq (born Macau 10 November 1798, died 3
September 1868). He was older brother of Major-General Henry Darling,
father of His Excellency Sir Charles Henry Darling, KCB.

Named
after Ralph Darling

The following features are named after Ralph Darling or members
of his immediate family: